I know we all come into college with the best intentions of decorating our dorms, apartments, or houses with the most chique style, but when reality strikes and life gets crazy -- we sometimes fall short. While I know home decor isn't everyones cup of tea, it is universally true that working, living, and socializing in a space that makes you feel happy can contribute to your overall mental health and comfort. Feeling inspired and focused can result from something as simple as putting your clothes away, hanging up some of your favorite pictures or article snippits. Personally, I have always been someone who loves to reference various ideas when it comes to redesigning my own space, whether that be my desk space or my entire dorm to make myself feel comfortable with my temporary home.

Before I get into some super helpful tips and tricks to maximize your living space, here is the link to a website I discovered recently and will continue to use for all sorts of ideas.

Mama of 3 Munchkins

Get Organized

Don't be deterred by the negative connotation of the word "organized" because this tip is truly the one that will serve you well in any situation whether that be in your own life or in a future career. Getting your life in order is an undeniable stress reliever and can pave the way to even more creativity. Here is a few ways to do so.

1. The Rolled T-Shirt Method

This has served me well when I was tasked with shoving all my beloved t-shirts into one drawer in my freshmen year dorm. It is a method of folding where you end by rolling up the shirt to reveal the front of the logo. This is a lifesaver when trying to save space and pick out an outfit in a rush because there is no need to dig through everything when each shirts' front is visible at first glance. Here is an example of my t-shirt drawer that I am extremely proud of.

Rolled T-Shirt MethodCred -- Emma Husk

2. Make sure everything has a designated home.

Do this with chargers, ear buds, medicine, hair ties, shoes, etc. and I guarantee you'll be much more inclined to tidy things at the end of the day when you simply just have to put things back where they belong, rather than struggle to find places to shove everything with out order. For those of us that wear makeup, storing it all can be the biggest pain but is definitely necessary because these products are not cheap. Investing in a make up storage organizer is not only the most efficient way to store everything but it can also inspire you to try something new when getting ready because everything is perfectly on display to get your creative juices flowing and make the most use of your makeup. Here is a link to the best makeup storage organizers.

Mama of 3 Munchkins Best Makeup Storage

Get Creative

It may seem discouraging to try and create an aesthetically pleasing space when you've only signed a year lease in an apartment that won't be yours for that long, but there are limitless ways to make the most of your time and put together an atmosphere that will make you never want to leave.

1. Removable Wallpaper

This is the BEST way to express yourself without breaking the bank or going out of your way to hang up tons of picture frames. Amazon, to just use one example, has thousands of different designs and patterns for wallpaper that can be taken down just as easily as it was hung up. The best part of this room addition is that it won't get you in any trouble with your landlord and make any room all the more fun to hang out in.

Mama of 3 Munchkins Decor Ideas

2. DIY Letter Banner

This CUTE decor idea is the perfect way to make a less than welcoming dorm room seem like something straight out of Pottery Barn Teen. I know my dorm was very sterile and stark looking when I first arrived my freshman year, so I wish I had found something as simple and creative as this little craft to spice up my space. All you'll need to make this banner, that you can totally customize however you want, is some scrap paper, string, glue, and markers/decorations/stickers/etc. Follow the instructions in the link below and hang your new banner above your mirror with an inspirational quote, outside your door to welcome guests, or above your bed with pictures from home! There are SO many different ways to use this craft idea.

https://mamaof3munchkins.com/2014/05/diy-wall-decor-easy-dream-banner.html

Get Comfortable

1. DIY Draft Stopper.

College is an interesting transition period between completely relying on our parents to being out in the real world where everything is dependent upon our own personal finances. Whether you are financially independent already, preparing to budget or work to pay rent in the future... it is probably smart to practice money-saving habits now, rather than later.

Utility bills are nobody's best friend, so cranking up the heat in the winter can be easily avoided with a DIY Draft stopper to keep you warm and also to prevent spending needless money in bills each month.

Mama of 3 Munchkins DIY Door Stopper

2. Utilize Throw Pillows & Blankets

Cozy Corner using Throw Pillows! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/846676798669780964/?lp=true

Your unhealthy obsession with cute throw pillows and decor blankets can finally be justified! Not only do these comfy things look adorable atop your bed or couch... they can also provide an added personal area of comfort for guests or even just you! Instead of tossing throw pillows to the side when your bed isn't made (which for some of us is most of the time) have a designated space to set up a little reading nook or cozy corner by piling the pillows side by side or up against the wall. This can maximize a small room if there isn't room for both a bed and the couch to provide a small, comfortable space to hang out or just somewhere to rest that isn't your bed.

3. Ambiance is Key!!

Relaxing after a stressful day or remaining calm and centered while studying during finals can be easily done by one thing that sets a tranquil tone and fills your space with smells to ease your thoughts. Here are some perfect ways to jazz up your area with flameless or real candles.

Mama of 3 Munchkins Candles

Wrapping Up...

It's important to realize that you DESERVE to have a space that makes you happy, allows you to relax and step outside of the everyday stress, and inspires you to get motivated. Just because you don't have the funds to completely renovate or deck out your place with tons of expensive furniture and cool features doesn't mean you have to pass up the opportunity to maximize your living situation and create a space that is your own!

Credits to the best!

I've really enjoyed using this blog to help with all things creativity and I hope you can reference for some great ideas too :)

HAPPY CREATING!!

Emma